Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪld ɐwˈe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The word "tailed away" is spelled as /teɪld əˈweɪ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first part of the word is pronounced as /teɪld/ which rhymes with the word "bailed." The second part of the word is pronounced as /əˈweɪ/ which rhymes with the word "day." This phrase means to gradually fade away or diminish, often referring to the sound of something. For example, the sound of the music tailed away as the concert ended.
Tailed away is a phrasal verb that is commonly used in informal English to describe a gradual decrease or decline in something, typically referring to a sensation, an individual's interest, or the intensity of a situation. It often implies a slow fading or diminishing over time.
This expression can be traced back to the use of the term "tail" as a metaphorical representation of a trailing or decreasing component, similar to the metaphorical use of the tail of a comet representing its diminishing trail. When used in a figurative sense, "tailed away" implies a gradual loss or weakening of something noticeable or perceivable.
For instance, in the context of sensations, "tailed away" can refer to a diminishing feeling or sensation, such as pain or pleasure gradually subsiding or fading. Similarly, when describing an individual's interest, it depicts a waning enthusiasm or attentiveness as time passes. In terms of situations or events, it suggests a decreased level of intensity or excitement as the occurrence progresses.
Overall, "tailed away" describes a slow and gradual decline or decrease in something, indicating a diminishing effect, whether it is related to sensations, interest, or the intensity of a situation.
The phrase "tailed away" does not have a distinct etymology as it is a combination of two words with their own separate origins.
The word "tail" originates from the Old English word "tæġel", which referred to the long, tapering part of an animal's body extending beyond the trunk or limbs. Over time, "tæġel" evolved into "tail" in Middle English.
The term "away" can be traced back to the Old English word "onweg", which meant "on motion" or "in motion". It eventually transformed into "away" in Middle English, retaining its meaning of movement or distance from a particular location.
When these two words are combined to form the phrase "tailed away", it typically refers to something gradually disappearing or diminishing, similar to how a tail tapers off or moves away from an object or creature.
